Page 53 of That One Moment

Thankfully, it works when Darius answers with a long winded story that ends with Caiden saying, “What he’s trying to say is, he does nothing. He has a rich daddy.”

Darius snorts and bumps his shoulder against Caiden’s. “I have a richfather.Which is totally different to having a rich Daddy.” He winks at me, his eyes flashing with mischief.

“Wait,” I say. “If you’re rich why did I pay for lunch?” Darius laughs and Caiden rolls his eyes.

“Because D will tell you that he doesn’t take his father’s money. Not unless it’s to pay for rent, holidays-” Caiden ticks the items off on his fingers. “-travel, clothing or groceries.”

Darius gives Caiden a kiss on the cheek and it does something uncomfortable to my stomach. “You know me so well, babe,” he says.

We finish up our meals and chat about everything and nothing until Darius suddenly stands from the table, darting off to catch up to someone he recognised across the pub. We both watch in silence as he hugs the guy and they start chatting.

“Do you still do the open mic night thing?” Caiden asks, taking a sip of his water. He hasn’t eaten much - moving most of his spinach and feta pie around the plate before pushing it away.

“You knew about that?” I can’t hide the shock in my voice or the way my heart pitter patters when he dips his head and the semblance of a smile settles on his face.

“I knew. Cooper liked to talk about you. His perfect, wonderful boyfriend.” He plays with his tongue ring, flicking it between his teeth. There’s affection in his voice, but something else too, that I can’t pinpoint.

“Well, he’d be really disappointed in me now,” I say. “The university drop out, who apparently is also a cheater.” I shake my head and wipe a fallen strand of hair from my forehead. “And no, I don’t sing anymore.” The last time was before Cooper died. My chest clenches when I think about how excited I’d been to sign up for that gig the day I bought his engagement ring. I’d had such grand plans - a stupid, naive lovesick kid who didn’t think the world could possibly throw anything shit his way.

“We have that in common,” Caiden replies wryly, as he sips at his water, his hands shaking when he does. He suddenly looks paler beneath the dim pub lights.

“Guys!” Darius bounces back over to us. His energy, while infectious, is also a bit much for the sombre atmosphere that’s fallen over the table. “I ran into some friends and they’re hiring bikes and taking an evening cycle through Richmond Park. Keen to join?” He looks at me, then at Caiden and then back at a group of about six people waiting near the door.

“I’m actually not feeling great.” Caiden swipes a hand through his hair. “My head is pounding again, so I think I’m just going to call it a day and get some rest.”

In the short space of time I’ve known him, it’s become very clear that Darius not only adores his best friend, but is anoverall great guy too, so it doesn’t surprise me when he suggests skipping the cycle and going back to Caiden’s place together.

“I’ll take him home,” I blurt at the same time Caiden says, “No, I’ll be fine on my own.”

For whatever reason, I want to be the one to walk Caiden home. I want to be the one to make sure he gets some rest and feels better.

My phone picks that exact instant to ring, I feel the vibrations against my leg, thankful that it’s on silent but also pretty sure it’s the universe's way of reminding me of what I was meant to be doing right now. What I should do and what I want to do are at war with each other and the right choice doesn’t stand a chance.

“You enjoy your cycle and I’ll make sure he gets home.” I stand and sling my hoodie over my shoulder.

“If you’re sure?” Darius asks, looking between us. Caiden shrugs and I nod. “Don’t you need to be getting back?”

“No. I’m not in a hurry. I’ve got him.” My words are firm, leaving no room for argument.

Darius hugs me, pressing up onto his tiptoes when he does. “Please don’t hurt him,” he whispers in my ear before releasing me and stepping back. “I like you, Jamie, you’re not quite the asshole Caiden made you out to be.”

With that, he spins around, engulfs Caiden in an embrace, kisses his cheek and then leaves to join the group just heading out of the pub.

“Asshole?” I raise an eyebrow at Caiden who is now standing at my side.

“I actually said judgemental prick,” he deadpans with a hint of a smirk.

The moment is light, a contrast to some that have passed between us these last few days. I can’t stop myself from wrapping an arm around his waist and tugging him into my side.

“Let’s get you home. I’ll make you soup to help you feel better.”

He groans. “Please don’t, my kitchen will never recover.” He looks at me then and smiles. And fuck me, it’s beautiful.He’sbeautiful.

I want to kiss him.

I don’t because we’re not that - I still don’t know what we are to each other, and I’d do well to remember that I have a girlfriend and a life that may never include Caiden Carrington.

But God, do I want to kiss him.

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